You're right, Jill. The notifications are only available for moderators, so Simon can get them. Ordinary members can't. We could change that - after I get back from Freo - if there's a requirement for it.

Rob

Thanks Simon for your well-considered contribution to this thread. I think all the points you mention have crossed my mind at some stage.

My main concern is that we have a really good facility that could make a lot of difference, especially for novice bird photographers, but it is under-utilized. On some other internet forums that I keep an eye on there is an enthusiastic response to anyone asking for a critique or assistance. When one of our members submits an image for critique, the response is usually muted and sometimes I feel embarrassed that so few people respond. This is all the more puzzling as one person's likes and dislikes are just as valid as another when it comes to articulating how they feel about an image. Perhaps some members are challenged by the task of writing about an image. I have come to realize that this is a factor in some members reluctance to provide comments with images posted to comps and the New Images gallery. If you talk with these people they are well able to explain why they like or dislike an image but if you ask them to write it down their mind goes blank. I think it might help is we made it mandatory to include a comment with all images whether for a comp or other gallery; this would encourage members to write something about their own images and perhaps become more comfortable with writing about other people's images on the Critique Gallery.

Cheers, Ian

I am a very novice bird photographer, and i have used the Critique Gallery since joining BLP. It has been an invaluable learning opportunity, and I have gained a lot from the feedback and suggestions provided in response to my submissions. I would really recommend it to all novice photographers. The responses I received have greatly enhanced my membership, as I am continuing to work at improving my images.

Alison.

Some interesting points made, and i admit that even as a new member I hadn't really given any real thought to posting images for a critique, even worse I guess is the fact that Ive been involved in photography for over 30 years myself, and haven't bothered to add any comments!.
My main reason for not posting is I guess that at this time its not a priority. I already post on other forums and enter comps as well. I do admit after attending the BLPBC I am inspired to try and do more with the photo's I take, and have a few ideas im working on.

I dont have any excuse for not commenting on other peoples photos, especially as I have time in the evenings during the week to do it, and I feel after reading the comments here that I should be even more annoyed with myself, as I definitely think there are some great photo's posted, and worthy of the small effort it takes to encourage everyone to continue.
I will mention I have had experiences in the past in online forums where people get very defensive about criticism, and maybe that makes people reluctant. But I haven't seen any of that here.

So, Im off to comment on some photo's!